News

Four more contenders in a potentially redrawn 7th Congressional District made their pitches to Arlington Democrats on April 8.

J.P. Cooney, Dave Kennedy, Del. Adele McClure and State Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim join a field of Democrats for the 7th District that includes State Sen. Dan Helmer, who spoke to county Democrats in March, and former Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, who has yet to make an appearance. Another contender, Joe Schiarizzi, announced his candidacy today (Thursday).


News

Arlington’s commonwealth attorney seeking higher pay for prosecutors this budget season, pointing to increased salaries for police officers and potentially better compensation in surrounding localities.

The proposed fiscal year 2027 budget calls for increasing funding for the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office by roughly 3%: from about $7.7 million to $7.9 million. But Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti told the Arlington County Board on Tuesday that prosecutors’ starting salary of $82,000 should be higher.


Around Town

A digital scavenger hunt inspired by cherry blossom season has gotten underway in Ballston.

Floral sidewalk decals for Bloom Hunt, coordinated by the Ballston BID and the immersive art gallery Artechouse DC, appeared in the neighborhood earlier this week. Participants have until Sunday to scan the decals with Artechouse’s app, unlocking digital, blossom-inspired artwork for a chance to win prizes.


Announcement

There’s something a little bit magical about picking up a foil for the first time — or drawing back a bow and watching your arrow fly true. It’s why fencing and archery have such a hold on kids and adults alike: real focus, real skill, and a thrill you don’t get from the usual sports lineup.

This fall, Nova Fencing & Archery Club in Bailey’s Crossroads is opening registration for both, with beginner classes for every age starting the week of September 12th. Fencing welcomes ages 7 to 12 and teens and adults 13 and up. Explore Archery, coached by USA Archery certified instructors, welcomes ages 8 to 12 and meets Tuesdays or Saturdays. And for our youngest fencers, ages 4 to 6, ABC’s of Fencing meets on Saturdays. All classes run eight sessions for $195, equipment provided, no experience needed — yes, even for grown-ups who’ve never held a sword or a bow before.


Around Town

It’s Local News Day. Here’s what that looks like in Arlington.

Yesterday, Dan Egitto reported on the Virginia Supreme Court hearing arguments over Arlington’s Missing Middle housing policy. Katie Taranto found out which local restaurants are RAMMY Award finalists and profiled the new owner giving a Falls Church pottery studio a fresh start. Dave Facinoli caught up with Yorktown’s undefeated girls soccer team.


Event

For over 400 years, humans have studied the cosmos through telescopes anchored to the ground. That changed with the rise of spaceflight; only in the last 50 years have telescopes escaped the Earth's atmosphere entirely and opened a new window on the universe.

Join us for a talk from two NASA astrophysicists on the space telescopes of yesterday, today, and tomorrow—from Hubble's nearly four decades of discovery to James Webb, Nancy Grace Roman, and more. Learn about some of their most striking discoveries and what the future holds.


Around Town

A new limited-time happy hour in Pentagon City is offering specials on Peruvian cuisine — and the opportunity to meet a wooly friend or two.

Guests at Peruvian Brothers can sip pisco sour slushies while enjoying the company of alpacas on Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. through the end of May. “Alpaca Happy Hour” will take place in a small outdoor enclosure at 1450 S. Eads Street, restaurant co-founder Giuseppe Lanzone told ARLnow.


News

The Arlington Planning Commission has given its nod to a 47-unit townhouse development, despite staff concerns that the proposal doesn’t match the Langston Boulevard Area Plan.

Commissioners supported developer BCN Homes’ plan for 2134 N. Taylor Street in a split 5-2 vote, with Commissioner Peter Robertson and Chair Denyse “Nia” Bagley voting against. The vote follows support from the Transportation Commission, the Waverly Hills and Cherrydale civic associations, the Langston Boulevard Alliance and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, although county staff recommended against the project.


News

Falls Church’s newest City Council member is suggesting an increase in the city’s meals tax to ease budget pressures.

“I think it should be something we’re considering,” Arthur Agin said at an April 6 Council work session that stretched well past midnight, focused largely on budget issues.


News

A man was charged with robbery and carjacking after a shoplifting attempt turned violent at a business in Cherrydale yesterday (Monday) afternoon.

Police were dispatched to the 4000 block of Langston Blvd around 2:30 p.m. after a report of a larceny, according to the Arlington County Police Department.


News
The 3100 Clarendon Blvd office building in Clarendon (courtesy George Brazier)

Favola Endorses McAuliffe — “State Sen. Barbara Favola — who represents most of Arlington County — has endorsed Dorothy McAuliffe in the race for #VA07. ‘She will be a strong, steady voice for public education and for the families who depend on it.'” [Jared Serre/X]

Medical Debt Lawsuits — “Virginia hospitals and medical providers filed more than 1.15 million lawsuits between 2010 and 2024, seeking to collect $1.4 billion in medical debt from patients, a report co-authored by a GW Law professor found.” [GW Hatchet]

Bipartisan Housing Bills in Va. — “In contrast to highly partisan debates over many other issues, state lawmakers of all political stripes are joining forces to pass legislation to increase the supply of housing. The policies attracting support range from requiring cities to allow manufactured homes in areas with single-family homes to easing regulations for accessory dwelling units to allowing housing on church-owned land and strip malls.” [Virginia Mercury]

It’s Thursday — Expect areas of frost early in the morning, but the day will be mostly sunny with a high of around 62°F. Winds will be calm initially, becoming southeast at about 6 mph in the afternoon. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 42°F and southeast winds between 3 and 6 mph. [NWS]

There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.